Keep the dobe under control I don't want him throwing me off" Sasuke said in a gentle tone Sakura hadn't heard before.

"HEY TEME WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN BY THAT!?" Naruto bellowed and Shikamaru face palmed.

Talk about ruining the moment, Shikamaru thought and muttered something about Naruto being a drag.

Waking up to himself Sasuke snatched his hand away and the tips of his ears were red. But his face and eyes held a softer expression looking at Sakura.

"You can count on me" Sakura said and winked conspiratorially. Sasuke smirked and jumped down onto the battle ground.

"You and the teme both worry about each other too much. He was worried before your match too" Naruto said quietly to Sakura.

"Well we're teammates and friends. That's what you do when you care about the people around you; you worry for their safety and wellbeing. I was worried for your match too Naruto, so was Sasuke even though he'll deny it" Sakura stated and Naruto looked pleased.

Does she seriously not see the way that Uchiha looks at her? And she thinks they're just teammates and friends. Man relationships are a drag, Shikamaru thought.

Sakura couldn't help the feeling of dread that grew within her as Sasuke faced off against Gaara. There was more to it than just a simple fight, things weren't fitting together in her head and it had something to do with those three genin from Suna.